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Can foreigners with a Non-O retirement visa open a bank account in Thailand?
Non-O visabank account openingThailand banking rulesretirement visasforeigner bankingThai SIM cardresidency certificatebank requirements for foreigners
Nov 23, 2025
5 months ago
Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTERSo done all paper work required to open bank account with non o retirement 90 days need to put 800k in bank to get 1 year visa extension but no bank is allowing me to open an account, I am being told it's only work permit or married to thai visa that they allow , does anyone know if this is true , I am being told this is new thing in last 2 weeks
TLDR : Answer Summary
Foreigners holding a Non-O retirement visa are encountering difficulties opening bank accounts in Thailand, often being told by banks that accounts can only be opened with a work permit or marriage to a Thai national. However, this seems to be more of a bureaucratic complication than a hard rule, with many users suggesting that persistence and trying different bank branches often yield success. Key requirements typically include a passport, residency certificate, lease agreement, and a Thai phone number, with assistance from a Thai person reportedly making the process smoother.
NON-O RETIREMENT VISA RESOURCES / SERVICES
- Go to the Retirement Visa Section for information on requirements, including age restrictions, financial requirements, and necessary documentation.
- For immediate assistance, contact Thai Visa Centre directly via LINE at @ThaiVisaCentre or Email them.
- Explore recent discussions by using the Non-O Retirement Visa tag in the search box at the top of the page.
- Join the Thai Visa Advice Facebook Group to ask your questions, and get advice from others.
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Maitin *******
Don't go to a flashy mall. Go to a branch in a big c or lotus. It's very easy to open an account on a non o.
Need to show residency and that the cell number is yours must have non o visa.
Last time I just used my Thai drivers license as residency
Need to show residency and that the cell number is yours must have non o visa.
Last time I just used my Thai drivers license as residency
Andrew ***************
Every bank is different they make it up go to a big shopping centre and go to every bank you will succeed
Burkhard ********
@Andrew **************
look for a bigger branch, I talk to service manager in Krabi branch of KBank in the new central mall in Krabi Town.Reply to
Burkhard ********
Reply
Davy **********
had two banks last trip told me i could not open an account as i was a foreigner despite having non o visa and being married to a thai.
Burkhard ********
Donald **********
@Davy *********
Try more!Reply to
Donald **********
Reply
Daniel *********
You need a lease agreement and a Thailand phone number
Olav *********
@Daniel ********
this thai number are not true, i just did this.YEllow book,pink id and confirmation from an village elder/worker and paper from immigration thath its ok.I Did 2 weeks agooReply to
Olav *********
Reply
Burkhard ********
I just opened my bank account with my Non-O at Kasikornbank.
You need a Thai phone number for the process — I use a postpaid SIM that my Thai girlfriend opened for me.
And of course you need your passport and the contract of your residence.
That’s all.
And honestly, it really helps to have a Thai person on your side. 🙏
You need a Thai phone number for the process — I use a postpaid SIM that my Thai girlfriend opened for me.
And of course you need your passport and the contract of your residence.
That’s all.
And honestly, it really helps to have a Thai person on your side. 🙏
Carsten ************
@Burkhard *******
the SIM you're using for Mobile Banking needs to be in your name. If it's on your gf's name, you might have problems in the future. You will probably be denied a postpaid plan, but there are pretty good prepaid plans.Burkhard ********
Thank you
ChatGPT told me, would not be a problem.
But I will change soon, before apply for extension.
@Carsten ***********
Yes I know, but I can change now, because now have a bank account. No bank account , no sim. ChatGPT told me, would not be a problem.
But I will change soon, before apply for extension.
Reply to
Burkhard ********
Reply
Jesper *******
Passport with nonO , lease agreement, residency cert shd be able to open a bank acct .....try more branches preferably kasikorn or SCB go to those in big shopping malls they're more used to serving foreigners
Mark *********
get on Google maps in your city and look up Visa agents. then start calling around to see who will open you an account and how much it will cost.
David ******
@Mark ********
my quote was *****
baht to open account from agent.Reply to
David ******
Reply
John **********
Make sure you have both a residence certificate from immigration and a mobile with a Thai SIM registered against your passport before you go to the bank
Hans *********
@John *********
and bring receipt from phone company I had true print it up 50 b at true storeReply to
Hans *********
Reply
David ******
I was told the same until I wasn't. Just need to find the right person with knowledge. Many will say I cannot, Work Permit Only. But you can't have work permit if retired.
I find using Google Translate helps to fully explain your desire versus getting lost in translation with verbal communication.
I find using Google Translate helps to fully explain your desire versus getting lost in translation with verbal communication.
Brandon ************
Banks have been telling people these excuses when they don't want to do all the paperwork to open an account for a foreigner for much longer than 2 weeks.
Each bank branch manager sets the requirements for that bank branch. If the one you went to will not do it, go to another one, and another, and another one, until you find one that will.
Each bank branch manager sets the requirements for that bank branch. If the one you went to will not do it, go to another one, and another, and another one, until you find one that will.
Robert ********
@Brandon ***********
try Bangkok bank Chang klan branch.Matthew *********
@Brandon ***********
go to kbank they are the most farang friendly in my opinion. I closed my bangkok bank and opened a new with kbank. Very little paperwork. They didnt ask for residence certificate. They used my tm47 in my passport. They didnt make me go to phone carrier to get documents to verify phone acct. They loaded their app on my phone and face recognition. In and out. The experience was so different from bangkok bank. Many others have posted recently how easy it was using kbankDavid *******
@Matthew ********
what branch?Jason ******
ORIGINAL POSTER@David ******
kasikorn scbMatthew *********
@David ******
I live in issan. I am sure my branch wouldn't be any help. But overall I hear only good things from most of the branchesReply to
Matthew *********
Reply
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